I recently ordered my first set of waterslide decals from Decal Connection, and opted for their "new" type. I've read a lot of posts recently about being strict in leaving the decals in distilled water for only 5 seconds, but the website directions say it may take 1-2 minutes in water for the new type. Can anyone comment on how long to leave the "new" decals in water? Does the 5 second rule still apply? Thanks in advance.

The people to ask about this are the people who are making the new type decals - Decal Connection.

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I used the new ones recently. First, I put a few drops of water on the tabletop. Then I put the decal in the bowl of water for 5 seconds. After five seconds, I placed the decal face up on the drops of water and took 5-10 seconds to brush on a little MicroSet. Then I placed the decal on (make sure both hands are wet) by pulling the leading edge of the backing with my finger. Sometimes it took a bit of effort to get it going, but once it started going, it slid onto the blank easily. Then I followed with MicroSet, dry, MicroSol, dry, possibly a second MIcroSol, then dry.

The biggest trouble I seemed to run into was that the MicroSol left a little whitish film on the decal and rod blank. I "buffed" it off with a soft, dry paper towel after everything had dried for hours.

They turned out very nice, so 5 seconds seems to still work well.

First thing that I would do is to follow the directions provided by the company! They should best know how to use their product!!! Then, if there was a problem, I would do a search on the board. This subject was discussed at length within the last couple of days.

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

Daniel or others-

Is there a board sponser that you bought the Microset or Microsol? I saw this 2 issues ago in Toms magazine, my decals are coming in a few days and would like to follow the instructions in the magazine., Anyhow thanks in advance!

Jeffrey

Daniel,
thanks for the info.

Jeffrey,
Decal Connection sells them.

Jeffrey; Order both from Decal Connection.

When I first started using decals I had trouble. Like most things, I've gotten better with experience and I don't often have difficulty with them anymore. The best advice that I can give anyone on their first attempts is to what others have previously said - follow the directions - AND don't get in a hurry. Relax and be patient; give the Microsol and Microset plenty of time to work and don't be so quick to get a coat of epoxy over it. I'll often apply my decals one evening before I go to bed and let them set overnight and apply the epoxy the following evening. Having used both the old and new style of decal paper, I like the new style better. It's worth with the slightly highr cost.

Sam Stoner

Patrick, keep in mind I am a complete newbie to this hoby, having only built three rods and only used the new waterslide for the first time the other day. I did mine exactly as Daniel Hall described. I also used my finger and moistened the blank just a little. However, I did not use the Microsol/Microset solutions. Instead, shortly after applying the decal and blotting it off with a lint free towel, I applied a coat of Gudebrod 811 and let dry for approx. 24hrs before applying Threadmaster. I'm not reccomending you should not use the solutions, but I didn't and I could not be happier with the results. I'm not even sure the 811 was necessary, but I figured it wouldn't hurt anything. Again, I'm a newbie so take it for what it is worth. I may have just got lucky! LOL!

TJ

Don't forget to order two sets of decals - that way you'll be ready to put on the second one after you've messed up the first !